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Suspect escapes custody
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Posted on Apr 09 2005
A Chinese male who was being detained for alleged loan sharking escaped from the Department of Corrections early yesterday morning while recovering from surgery at the Commonwealth Health Center, authorities said.
The Department of Public Safety, together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have already launched a manhunt for the fugitive.
DPS spokesman Eric David said that Chen Li Wu, who is in his 30s slipped early in the morning from the hospital. He said that Immigration Detention officers had escorted Chen to the hospital for minor surgery. He declined to specify the nature of Chen’s medical operation. It was while Chen was recovering from the surgery when he escaped.
David said more details of the incident will be released on Monday.
Federal Bureau of Investigation officer Joe Auther said the suspect has black hair, with brown eyes, about 5’5” tall and weighed 150 lbs. The man has a tattoo of a dragon on his right arm. He also has a mole on his chin.
Chen was arrested on March 3, 2005 by Drug Enforcement Agency officers. He was later turned over to the FBI, which now handles his case.
Auther said the fugitive escaped from the custody of enforcement officers at around 3am yesterday.
He said a reward would be paid for any information that would lead to the arrest of the fugitive. No specific figure was cited for the reward.
Chen, said Auther, was arrested for “loan sharking” or collection of extortionate extension of credit—extending loans to people and then beating them up if they fail to pay.
Those with information as to the whereabouts of Chen are urged to contact the FBI at 322-6934, DPS at 911 or call Crime Stoppers at 234-7272.
